A qualitative investigation into the role of illness perceptions in endometriosis-related quality of life

Experiences of disempowerment amongst endometriosis patients: Toward comprehensive care to address the psychosocial impact of chronic illness

Endometriosis is a devastating chronic condition with significant physical and social implications. This research focused on two questions: 1) how do endometriosis patients experience healthcare in Canada, and 2) how can the healthcare encounter effectively address the psychosocial burden of disease that patients bear? This study examines the psychosocial implications of endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with nine people diagnosed with endometriosis. Interview questions centering patient perceptions of care were thematically analyzed utilizing reflexive thematic analysis. Analyzing participant narratives and drawing upon Kleinman's concepts of illness experiences and slow medicine, this article underlines the urgency of moving toward a deeper ethics of care for endometriosis patients, wherein the patient is understood and advocated for within the Canadian healthcare system. Drawing upon participant experiences, the present research calls for the widespread availability of a comprehensive healthcare model for the treatment of endometriosis.

Illness perceptions among individuals with endometriosis and their longitudinal associations with psychological distress and pain

This study examined the illness perceptions held by individuals living with endometriosis, and their associations with psychological distress and chronic pain, over time. At baseline, 408 participants provided demographic and clinical information and completed measures of illness perceptions, anxiety and depression, and pain. One-year later, 283 of these participants completed the same measures again. Results showed that participants held largely negative perceptions of their endometriosis, perceiving adverse consequences, enduring timeline, and negative emotional representations of their condition. Additionally, participants felt a lack of personal control over the condition. Multiple regression analyses (controlling for demographics, clinical factors, and baseline levels of the outcome variables) showed that illness perceptions do not predict anxiety and depression at 12-month follow-up. However, the perception of illness timeline did significantly predict pain intensity at follow-up.

Utilising the COM-B model to interpret barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening in young women

As most women now reaching the age for cervical cancer screening (24.5 years old) in the UK will be HPV vaccinated, their current perspectives on screening can inform effective interventions to increase screening uptake (and thus, early detection). Twenty-four interviews were conducted with women aged 24-30 years old to explore their views on cervical cancer screening (n = 12 attendees and n = 12 non-attendees). Reflexive thematic analysis generated six themes that were then mapped onto the COM-B model. Reflective motivations (e.g. reassurance) were key facilitators to screening attendance for both groups. Social opportunities (e.g. open communication) contrasted between the groups, with attendees more likely to have discussed screening with friends. Automatic motivations (e.g. embarrassment) were key barriers to attending screening in both groups. Notably, HPV vaccination did not factor into the decision to attend screening. Interventions to increase screening uptake may target motivational and social factors.

Queens of hearts: Exploring the lived experiences of mothers caring for infants with complex congenital heart disease in Sri Lanka

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of eight Sri Lankan mothers of infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) using semi-structured interviews. Four themes were generated as: illness perception, communication with medical staff, challenges faced, and coping mechanisms. These provided insight into the multi-faceted nature of mothers' experiences, importance of medical-caregiver communications and their need for psychosocial services. The findings enhance the limited knowledge of South-Asian primary CCHD caregiver experiences and will help in improving psychosocial support services in Sri Lanka.

Endometriosis in Transgender Men: Bridging Gaps in Research and Care-A Narrative Review

Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition commonly seen in individuals designated female at birth; however, there has been limited research focused on its prevalence and impact among transgender men. This narrative review aims to fill a critical knowledge gap by exploring the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, management strategies, and quality-of-life implications of endometriosis among transgender individuals who identify as male. Specifically, this study seeks to estimate the prevalence rates and describe the symptoms experienced by transgender men undergoing testosterone therapy. Additionally, it addresses the diagnostic challenges posed by hormonal treatments and the lack of culturally competent healthcare services for this population. Recent molecular studies indicate that hormonal imbalances, such as increased estrogen synthesis and progesterone resistance, are significant factors in the persistence of endometriosis symptoms despite testosterone therapy. Moreover, evidence suggests that testosterone therapy may not always suppress endometrial activity completely, contributing to the persistence of symptoms in some individuals. Endometriosis in transgender men requires personalized approaches that consider both testosterone therapy and its interactions with endometriosis, as well as fertility preservation and the psychosocial aspects of treatment. This review emphasizes the necessity of taking an inclusive approach in both research and clinical practice to improve healthcare outcomes for this underserved population. The results demonstrate how continued research, education, and healthcare services tailored specifically to transgender men are necessary to better understand and treat endometriosis, thus improving both their overall health and quality of life.